Francis Ngannou has reportedly given his $100,000 performance bonus to Philipe Lins, the Brazilian he knocked out in the first round of their fight on Saturday night. The bout took place on the undercard of Ronda Rousey’s comeback event, streamed live on Netflix and promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP).
Ngannou, 39, stopped Lins with a left hook late in the first round, but refused to land a follow-up shot on the downed 41-year-old. At the post-fight press conference, Ngannou said Lins deserved the performance of the night bonus, adding: “Maybe we should give the performance of the night to Philipe Lins.” Those present applauded the gesture.
According to Uncrowned, former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou earned $1.5m for the fight, while Lins – a former PFL champion – reportedly received $100,000. With Ngannou’s apparent gift, Lins’s pay would have doubled. The figures were disclosed by the California State Athletic Commission.
Before the event, MVP executive Nakisa Bidarian stated that every fighter’s base pay was $40,000, with bonus incentives available. Ngannou left the UFC in early 2023 over a pay dispute, vacating his heavyweight title, and has since feuded with UFC president Dana White.
